Keelboat 2026/27 Season

Keelboat Racing

South of Perth Yacht Club offers year-round keelboat racing on the Swan River, with championship, handicap and social racing for all experience levels. From twilight racing and pursuit races to major regattas and club championships, there’s always something happening on the water.

Racing Series

Special events, pursuit races, regattas and championship races throughout the year.

Visiting yachts are always welcome.

Season Information

Sailing Instructions & Courses

Series SIs Courses
Opening Day – Oct 4, 2026 Coming Soon Coming Soon
Saturday Series Coming Soon Coming Soon
Midweek Series Coming Soon Coming Soon
Twilight Series Coming Soon Coming Soon
Frostbite Series (Winter 2026) Learn More Learn More

Notice of Race Attachments

SailPass

Not a member? SailPass allows sailors to participate in club racing while meeting Australian Sailing requirements.

Benefits:

  • Provides a simple “try sailing” option
  • Supports on-water safety tracking
  • Enables participation in club racing and events

Redbook

The current season’s Redbook contains racing rules, schedules, courses and club procedures. Download a digital copy or collect a hard copy from the On Water Group Office.

2026/27 Redbook digital copy - coming soon.

Crew Sign-On

All race crew must be signed on through the TopYacht system before racing. Step-by-step guides are available to assist skippers.

Keelboat Sign-On Guide

Handicapping

SoPYC uses a club performance handicapping system and also offers ORC Club Handicapping for eligible Division 1 boats competing in club championship, Saturday, Midweek and Frostbite racing.

Club Performance Handicapping Policy ORC Club Handicapping at SoPYC

Safety Categories

All competing yachts must comply with the safety category specified in the Notice of Race.

  • Category 2 - Extended offshore races (e.g. Geraldton Ocean Classic)
  • Category 3 - Coastal offshore racing
  • Category 4 - Short offshore day races (e.g. Centaur Run)
  • Category 5 - Night racing on the Swan River
  • Category 6 - Protected water day races (e.g. Billy Run)
  • Category 7 - Swan River keelboat racing

Higher category compliance automatically satisfies lower category requirements.

Equipment Audits

Equipment Audit Forms must be submitted before racing. Category 2 and 3 races require inspection by an accredited auditor, while Categories 6 and 7 are subject to random compliance checks during the season.

Equipment Audit Form

Racing Rules & Safety

All racing is governed by the World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) and Australian Sailing Special Regulations. These rules help maintain the high safety standards that underpin competitive sailing in Australia.

Why Race at SoPYC?

  • Year-round keelboat racing
  • Championship and handicap competitions
  • Visiting yachts welcome
  • Strong racing community and social calendar
  • Australian Sailing compliant racing
  • Sailing on Perth’s premier racing waters

Useful Links

Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) Blue Book

The Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) governs the sport of sailboat, sailboard and kite board racing. It is revised and published every four years by World Sailing. The 2021-2024 version with Australian Sailing prescriptions is available to download. The 2025-2028 version is also available to download, effective from 1 Jan 2025.

Click here to download the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) Blue Book

Special Regulations

The sport of sailing in Australia has a strong reputation for self-management of safety. The Special Regulations can also act as a guide for cruising boats. Special Regulations do not replace, but rather supplement the requirements of government authorities, the Racing Rules of Sailing and the rules of class associations and rating systems.

Click here to see the special regulations

SoPYC Keelboat Trophies

Click here to see the Keelboat Trophies at SoPYC

Find Your Australian Sailing Number

Click here to find your Australian Sailing number

Advertising Code

Click here to see the Advertising Code

Division Allocation Policy

Click here to see the Club Mixed Division Yacht Allocation Policy

Swan River Course Marks Map

Click here to see the Swan River Course Marks Map

Swan River Course Marks Coordinates

Click here to see the Swan River Course Marks Coordinates

DoT Nautical Charts

Click here to see the Department of Transport’s Nautical Charts

Edit Your TopYacht Boat Profile

Click here to edit your TopYacht Boat Profile

Western Australian Marine Act 1982

Click here to see the Western Australian Marine Act 1982

Navigable Waters Regulations 1958

Click here to see the Navigable Waters Regulations 1958

Swan and Canning River Notices

Click here to see the Swan and Canning River Notices